A foodie's journey to a happier & healthier lifestyle

Menu

Boiling Crab, San Jose

Ok, so it’s not the healthiest place to eat, but sometimes you have to be bad to be good. Right? It’s definitely top 2 on my cheat meal list. I first tasted the buttery goodness of Boiling Crab when I was visiting my friend, Arleen, in SoCal. There was a chain in Orange County that eventually made its way to NorCal where there are now 2 location in San Jose. They are equally jammed pack with lines that form around the corner before they are even open for business. The wait can be anywhere between 15 minutes to 2 hours. If you ask me, it’s well worth the wait! Ironically, they’re both located near a Target within walking distance, so it’s always an option to kill time.

They serve their food on disposable table covers without plates and utensils are available upon request. I initially struggled with the concept of sauce, food and garbage cluttering up the table throughout my entire meal. My OCD would kick in and I would want to create neat piles of discarded shells and often wiped down the table to clear any sauce that might have spilled. I do like the fact that they let you tag up their walls and columns. They even provide sharpies for your drawing pleasure.

My boyfriend and I left our mark on a few walls and posts. Mary & Max is an inside joke. If you ask me about it, I’ll tell you.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE Boiling Crab. If I’m having a rough day, this place instantly turns it around. I already know what I want before I get there (1 lb King Crab Legs, 1/2 lb Clams, 2 Corn Cobbs –Whole Shabang Medium Spicy.) The whole shabang seasoning is a ridiculously delicious blend of lemon pepper, garlic butter and rajun cajun seasoning. It’s super buttery and spicy enough to make my lips and head tingle. Yes, my head tingles when I eat spicy food. Sometimes it’s too salty or I get a big chunk of garlic, but I can’t seem to get enough. They offer a “XXX” spicy level that they describe as “I can’t feel my mouth,” but being able to taste my food is important to me. Sometimes I would take home any leftover seasoning to marinate shrimp or corn I have at home.

Once upon a time, I decided to attempt to make this whole shebang medium corn from a recipe I found online. I used garlic, butter, lemons, old bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, and some hot sauce. I failed miserably! It was too salty and tasted nothing like it. There must be some secret ingredient that I’m missing. I am open to suggestions. If you’ve successfully made this before, I’d appreciate any tips you could share. I’m not sure if a healthy version is available, but I’m up for the challenge. I’ll keep you posted!

I have yet to find another seafood restaurant that compares. If you’ve never been here and you like seafood–I highly recommend this restaurant. Two thumbs up and all my toes!